Low platelet count after Afoxolaner (NexGard) in dogs
152 reports to the FDA describe low platelet count in dogs given Afoxolaner. That is 0.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines.
152Reports
64%Marked serious
14%Recovered
20%Died or euthanised
9 daysTypical onset
Sponsored
How soon it started
How the animals did
Problems reported at the same time
Age of the animals
About this medicine
Afoxolaner kills fleas and ticks; given as a monthly chewable.
Products with this ingredient include NexGard. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.
In 2018 the FDA alerted owners and vets that isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic reactions such as muscle tremors, wobbliness (ataxia) and seizures, including in animals with no history of them.
Questions owners ask
- Can Afoxolaner cause low platelet count in dogs?
- 152 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
- How soon after a dose was it reported?
- In half of the reports with dates, it started within 9 days of the first dose.
- What should I do?
- Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).
Low platelet count with similar medicines
- Low platelet count after Fluralaner (Bravecto) 177 reports · 0.3% of its reports
- Low platelet count after Sarolaner (Simparica) 29 reports · 0.2% of its reports
- Low platelet count after Lotilaner (Credelio) 56 reports · 0.6% of its reports
- Low platelet count after Afoxolaner + Moxidectin + Pyrantel (NexGard PLUS) 31 reports · 0.3% of its reports
All reported side effects of Afoxolaner in dogs · Medicines most reported with low platelet count